Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable military action against Colombia, stating the country is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to America."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
The country for decades served as a key ally of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from across the political spectrum have rejected the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. In October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
